(Newswire.net — February 3, 2013) London, UK — Bed bugs are not a problem of the past. In the United States, poorly cleaned offices and homes are witnessing an increase in bed bug infestations. According to the United States National Pest Management Association, bed bug levels are approaching pandemic proportions. Although it is unclear whether the UK has or is likely to have a bed bug problem, this overseas trend is a call to arms for professional cleaners, home owners and business owners alike.
Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are nocturnal insects that feed on human blood. Their nocturnal habits mean that they are not often spotted easily during the day time, in spite of their comparatively large size (5 mm by 3 mm at their largest), especially compared to other insect parasites such as fleas and head lice (both about the size of a sesame seed). Bed bug bites can cause skin rashes and irritation, and there is a possibility that they can spread more serious infections, such as the antibiotic-resistant “Golden Staph” (Staphylococcus aureus) bacterium. During the daytime, bed bugs hide in crevices and other small, dark locations around homes and offices. Female bed bugs lay up to five eggs daily after reaching maturity and bed bugs reach maturity in 10 days. They can survive for up to a year without feeding, and their long life plus rapid breeding add up to high potential for a severe infestation if they are not dealt with and eliminated.
However, the good news is that this old-fashioned problem can be solved by an old-fashioned remedy, namely extra vigilance in cleaning, both in homes and offices. Vacuum cleaners are an effective solution, especially when attention is paid to using the narrower nozzles (commonly called “nosy parker” attachments) designed to reach into small spaces. Additionally, heat has been proven to be effective at killing both the bed bugs and the bacteria they transmit. A spokesperson for London-based cleaning company TSD Cleaning Services said, “You have to be thorough. You have to make sure that you get everywhere and we mean everywhere. You can’t procrastinate when it comes to deep cleaning carpets and upholstery. Especially upholstery – bed bugs love hiding there.”
Other tips for ensuring that bed bugs are being dealt with effectively include vacuuming with a see-through dust compartment, which allows the cleaner to see whether bed bugs are present, as their brownish red colour usually shows up against the grey of dust. Vacuum cleaner bags should be emptied outside rather than inside a building to prevent reinfestation, and the contents of the bag should be sealed in a plastic bag and/or burned promptly. Minimising clutter and regular changing of sheets are other solutions that help keep the pest levels under control.
Pesticides are a last-resort solution for dealing with bed bugs, and should be kept for severe infestations, as the chemicals used for killing bed bugs and other insect pests can increase the overall level of toxins in a home or office and be a health hazard in its own right.
For Press and Interviews please contact:
Daniela Sarasakalova – TSD Cleaning Services Manager / Operations Manager
TSD Cleaning Services
7 Atkinson RoadLondon
E16 3LP
020 8819 9476
https://plus.google.com/107131204074651237872/posts